Las Vegas: New Cirque show will draw inspiration from King of Pop

Nearly four years after his death, Michael Jackson will return to Las Vegas, but now as part of Cirque du Soleil’s newest production, “Michael Jackson ONE,” which will take up residency at Mandalay Bay.

To the strains of “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin',” officials from the Montreal-based theatrical troupe and MGM Resorts announced Thursday that general ticket sales for the new spectacle would begin March 7.

“ONE” comes on the heels of another Cirque production, “Michael Jackson The Immortal,” which played to sellout crowds during its North American tour last year.

“This show will be very, very different,” Daniel Lamarre, president and chief executive of Cirque du Soleil, told reporters. He said his company put considerable time into efforts to find “a home for Michael Jackson in Las Vegas.”

Four misfits will be at the center of the production. Guided and inspired by Jackson’s music, they will travel on an acrobatic and theatrical journey that, according to a news release, will teach them “agility, courage, playfulness, and love.”

“We needed to approach this project with a childlike heart,” said Jamie King, the show’s writer and director, adding that Jackson became his friend and mentor more than 20 years ago.

As loudspeakers blasted “Beat It,” several members of the 63-person cast broke into dance in a preview of what’s to come.

“How do we mix the music and dance?” creative director Welby Altidor asked. “How would Michael move if he was an acrobat?”

Previews of “Michael Jackson ONE” will begin May 23. The official premiere is slated for June 29, four days after the fourth anniversary of the death of the King of Pop.

Ticket prices will range from $69 to $150 and will be available online or by calling (877) 632-7400.